The Pio app supports tracking of batch numbers and expiration dates. A product can require either a batch number or an expiration date, or both. This article explains how batch and expiration tracking work in Pio.
Trackable products
Items that require additional tracking can be stored in Pio with both a batch number and an expiration date. The required fields for batch and expiration must be synced from the ERP/CMS system via the API integration.
The entered batch and expiration dates are available to view with the items both in Admin > Inventory Overview and within Search in the app.
Storing items with tracking
When storing items with tracking details, the port worker will be requested to enter or scan the batch number and select the correct expiration date for the products before adding the quantities.
There is an option to cancel the tracking input as the first step and enter the quantity of items to store first. Select the 'Edit' option in the top menu to add the required product details when ready.
NOTE
It is not possible to complete the storing of the items until the required data is entered.
Picking algorithm
A dedicated picking algorithm supports the picking of items with the oldest expiry dates first. This picking algorithm is called FEFO (First Expired First Out) and ensures that items with the oldest expiry dates are picked first.
Picking items with tracking
When picking the items with tracking details, the tracking data is visible on the picking screen.
If a product has passed the expiration date, a warning will show:
Select 'Dismiss' to close the message and pick the products as normal.
Select 'Report issue' to flag the order as deviated. This will skip the picking and go directly to the complete page.
Update inventory using Search
Tracking details are visible in Search and in the Inventory Overview in Admin.
When using Search to manually add or remove items from a bin or a shelf location, it is important to double-check that the batch and expiration dates match the already stored items in the selected location.
A popup window will ask you to confirm the previously entered tracking details before any quantity updates can be made:
NOTE
A compartment can only store items with the same batch and expiration date.